Williamsburg, Virginia
The Firm
We’re an award-winning multidisciplinary team based in Albany, New York and Williamsburg, Virginia with a passion for creating innovative architecture and preserving the past.
Albany, New York
PROFILE
Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects is the collaboration of Laurence F. Wilson, M. Jeffrey Baker and Thomas A. Burgess, along with a staff of dedicated employees in the practice of Architecture, Planning, Historic Preservation & Digital Documentation. The firm has been established in various iterations since 1941 and has engaged in broad experiences in a variety of extraordinary and complex projects.
Our Approach
At the core of every project is the belief that each one is unique, demanding thoughtful and creative solutions tailored specifically to its requirements. We emphasize disciplined research and evidence-driven methodologies, ensuring our designs are contextual, respecting the material environment while meeting the program, budget, and client expectations.
Meet The Team
We’re an award-winning multidisciplinary team based in Albany and Williamsburg with a passion for creating innovative architecture.
He has overseen a full range of projects which include the restoration of historic landmark buildings, such as the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York; as well as the design of contemporary structures, such as the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany in Albany, New York. The projects have included conservation of historic building fabric; comprehensive renovation and rehabilitation; adaptive-use conversions; such as Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge's Chatham Union Station in Chatham, New York; and the design of additions to historic buildings, such as the Fort Orange Club Athletic Facility in Albany, New York. Larry has also worked closely with multiple universities, such as Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
A few examples of Jeff’s work include the restoration of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia; Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest in Lynchburg, Virginia; James Madison’s Montpelier, in Montpelier Station, Virginia; the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island; the reconstruction of the 1660’s Brick Chapel at St. Mary’s City, Maryland; the restoration of the Vermont State House in Montpelier, Vermont; the restoration of the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York; Stratford Hall in Stratford, Virginia; the restoration of Thomas Jefferson’s “Academical Village” at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia; as well as the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Jeff has also been retained to assist in the restoration of George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia.
Tom’s work at MCWB has been focused on University and College Campuses, having completed both new construction and restoration projects at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia; Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida; Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden Sydney, Virginia; Hamilton College in Clinton, New York; and Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. He has also worked as the Project Architect at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello on the restoration of the Textile Workshop, Stables, and the North and South Dependencies; at George Washington’s Mount Vernon on the stabilization of the Mansion; and historic restoration of A Country Estate in Pennsylvania used as a retreat center, complete with a Japanese Tea House and Pool House.
Eric is especially passionate about the work he performed with the firm early in his career during the restoration of James Madison’s Montpelier. The team researched every inch of the building utilizing both documentary and physical evidence to develop a restoration strategy. It was this experience that has given Eric the tools to use for projects to this day. Most recently, Eric managed the documentary research and investigative probes at Hampden-Sydney College’s Venable Hall in the early days of the project to determine an accurate roadmap to rehabilitate the circa 1831 dorm utilizing historic tax credits.
He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Norwich University Board of Fellows for the School of Architecture + Art.
Eric received a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from Norwich University and a Master of Science in Building Conservation from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Her project focus is often on building envelopes and sustainable design practices, both with new as well as existing, sensitive historic structures, where understanding how insulation, and air/vapor control layers affect a building, and is crucial to its long-term durability. Additionally, Lynn reviews detailed construction documents that clearly communicate construction sequencing and design intent – ensuring the quality assurance and quality control standards of the firm.
Lynn was project Architect on The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany NY and Cornell University Hughes Hall, Ithaca NY, both large scale envelope and masonry restoration projects. Lynn was also Project Architect for Williams College Fort Bradshaw which achieved LEED Gold and Living Building Challenge Petal Certification; challenging achievements for an existing brick masonry building in the northeast United States.
As a Building Conservator for over 20 years, Gina can analyze and determine historic building chronologies and development, as well as understand historic materials deterioration and how to appropriately repair and detail their treatment.
Additionally, as a Senior Project Manager, Gina manages complex restoration projects from state capitols to historic house museums. She has had the honor of working on the cleaning of the Great Western Staircase and the reconstruction of the Assembly Staircase Laylight at the New York State Capitol, the restoration of Emily Dickinson’s Homestead, the restoration of James Madison’s Montpelier, and currently, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mansion Revitalization project.
For the past 28 years Mr. Dahl’s role in the firm has been concentrated in the area of construction administration. Overseeing the on-site construction process of historic buildings through the day to day collaboration with clients and contractors is most rewarding. Notable commissions in recent years have been the restoration of some of Cornell University’s most iconic building structures. Those projects include exterior masonry and roofing restoration work at Hughes Hall, Sage Hall, and the Uris Library and McGraw Tower complex.
Prior to his current position at MCWB, Eric worked as project manager for the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF), administered by the Massachusetts State Preservation Office. He was the Director of Historic Preservation at Historic Deerfield, where he was responsible for the repair and restoration of the museum's fifty-five buildings which range in age from the early eighteenth-century to the late twentieth-century. He has worked as an adjunct faculty member in the Historic Preservation Program at Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island and the Boston Architectural College (BAC).
Eric has his undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University and his M.S in Historic Preservation from the University of Vermont. As a graduate student, Eric participated in the US/ICOMOS International Exchange Program as an intern with the National Trust in North Yorkshire, England at Fountains Abbey.
Eric understands the privilege of examining buildings and sites in depth, both physically and historically. This understanding enables the firm to make informed decisions when planning work on these significant structures.
At MCWB he has been involved in both research projects and bricks-and-mortar restorations. He has done substantial work at the University of Virginia, including a Historic Structure Report on the Jefferson-era dormitory rooms and an update to the university’s preservation plan, which included an analysis of the essential characteristics of the university’s architecture. He has also undertaken major research reports on significant early buildings in Maryland, including the 1737 Old Treasury Building in Annapolis and the c. 1830 slave quarter at the Griffith-Burrall Farm in Frederick County.
Lauren held a key role in George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mansion Revitalization project, carrying consultant coordination and construction documentation from earlier phases of design into construction administration.
Since 2019, Patton has been a part of many exciting projects at MCWB, including work on the campuses of the College of William & Mary, the University of Virginia, and Sweetbriar College, as well as work at Bacon’s Castle, Mount Vernon, Gadsby’s Tavern, and Violet Bank Museum. Patton has been a Project Architect on the rehabilitation of the Maryland State House complex in Annapolis, Maryland and is particularly proud of the comprehensive restoration of the 18th-century State House Dome.
Since joining the MCWB team, Steven has been involved with multiple projects on the historic campuses of Hampden-Sydney University and the University of Virginia.
John is currently involved with the ongoing restoration of the roofs balustrades of the Thomas Jefferson designed Student Rooms on “The Lawn” at the University of Virginia, a world heritage site.
What drives her work is being in an environment and field that allows her to shape the future while learning from the past. For the past five years she’s been doing just that – using a variety of digital technologies to take projects from one phase to the next. Two of the main projects she’s been able to document, 3D model and help develop construction documents for Venable Hall, recently completed at Hampden-Sydney College and the Mansion at Mount Vernon.
FIRM HISTORY
For over 80 years, MCWB Architects has stood the test of time, evolving through decades of innovation, collaboration, and craftsmanship.
Office of Blatner and Van Der Bogert Architects
1941-1943
In 1941, Henry Blatner and Giles Yates Van der Bogert joined forces to establish an architecture firm that would become a leader in the fields of architecture and preservation. Before World War II, they designed the Delaware Spectrum 8 Theater in Albany, NY, and Van der Bogert served as head of the Regional Historical Preservation Association – establishing the firm as a pioneer in architecture and preservation. However, both Blatner and Van der Bogert were called to serve in WWII, leading to the dissolution of their partnership.
Notable Projects:
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Delaware Theater – Albany, NY
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Henry Blatner House – Slingerlands, NY
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Stein House – Slingerlands, NY
Post War: Office of Henry L. Blatner
1946-1961
After serving in World War II, Blatner returned and founded his own firm in Delmar, NY. Van Der Bogert went on to teach and write books dedicated to architecture and preservation. Henry Blatner brought together talented architects who would later become his partners and contribute to the enduring legacy of MCWB.
Notable Projects:
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Clarksville Elementary School – Clarksville, VA
Office of Blatner and Williams
1961-1964
In 1961, Graham George Williams joined the firm as the second partner. During this time, the office of Blatner & Williams explored and expanded their portfolio by securing educational and religious projects.
Notable Projects:
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Loudonville Presbyterian Church – Loudonville, NY
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Branch Bank of Albany – Albany, NY
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St. John’s Lutheran Church – Albany, NY
Blatner Mendel Mesick Architects
1965-1971
1965 was a pivotal moment for the firm. Benjamin Mendel, who had attended RPI with Henry Blatner and worked with him at a previous firm, joined as partner. John Mesick was named partner as well, having worked for the firm since 1961 and following a tour around the world. With their skills balanced in architecture, preservation and interior design, they were well equipped to take on impressive projects.
Notable Projects:
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Residence Hall: Albany Medical College – Albany, NY
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Colonie Country Club – Voorheesville, NY
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Library, Laboratory and Lecture Hall Blocks: Albany Medical College – Albany, NY
Blatner Mendel Mesick Cohen Architects
1971-1972
In 1971, James A. Cohen became the firm’s fourth partner, bringing balance to the leadership team. His early career was marked by extensive travel, which enriched his perspective and expertise before becoming partner.
Notable Projects:
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Burden Iron Works – Troy, NY
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Albany Institute of History & Art – Albany, NY
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Medical College – Albany, NY
Mendel Mesick Cohen Architects
1973-1976
By 1973, Henry Blatner stepped down as name partner. As the founder of the firm, Henry laid the groundwork for what would become the MCWB legacy—a dedication to thoughtful design and innovation.
Notable Projects
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Oswego Library – Oswego, NY
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Oswego City Hall – Oswego, NY
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Union College, Nott Memorial – Schenectady, NY
Mendel Mesick Cohen Waite Architects
1975-1984
In 1976, John G. Waite joined the firm as a name partner. Prior to this, John had gained valuable experience working for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Three years later, in 1979, MCWB moved from 11 North Pearl Street to their new and current location at 388 Broadway.
Notable Projects
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Old Barracks – Trenton, NY
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New York State Capitol – Albany, NY
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Blair House – Washington, DC
Mendel Mesick Cohen Waite & Hall
1984-1989
Notable Projects
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Vermont State House – Montpelier, VT
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Albany Law School Library – Albany, NY
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Ontario County Courthouse – Canandaigua, NY
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Tennessee State Capitol – Nashville, TN
Mesick Cohen Waite Architects
1989-1995
In 1989, the firm restructured and became Mesick Cohen Waite Architects. During this period, the firm continued to secure major projects in historic preservation. In 1993, AutoCAD was introduced to the firm, marking a significant step in modernizing the design process and enhancing project efficiency.
Notable Projects
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Monticello – Charlottesville, VA
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Poplar Forest – Forest, VA
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The University of Virginia – Charlottesville, VA
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The Isaac Bell House – Newport, RI
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Tweed Courthouse – New York, NY
Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects
1995-2020
In 1995, Jeffrey Baker and Laurence Wilson joined as partners, forming the MCWB Architects partnership. As the firm took on more projects along the East Coast, it expanded operations with a second office in Williamsburg, Virginia. During this period of growth, the firm’s capabilities evolved with the adoption of Revit, 3D scanning, and drone technology. In the years that followed, James Cohen retired in 2014, followed by John Mesick in 2018.
Notable Projects:
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Florida Southern College – Lakeland, FL
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Newport Country Club – Newport, RI
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Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception – Albany, NY
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New York State Capitol – Albany, NY
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Montpelier – Orange, VA
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Fort Orange Club – Albany, NY
MCWB Architects
2020-Present
In 2020, Thomas Burgess was brought on as partner, completing the current leadership team of MCWB Architects. During this time, the firm has continued to be a trailblazer in the industry, taking on diverse projects that involve the designing of new buildings in significant historical contexts.
Notable Projects
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Hampden-Sydney College – Hampden Sydney, VA
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Maryland State House – Annapolis, MD
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Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon, VA
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Cornell University – Ithaca, NY